Robert Triggs / Android Authority
Used and refurbished Google Pixel phones are available at many retailers and private sellers, but should you buy one? And if you’ve already decided you want one, what should you be looking for?
We’ve rounded up the information you need when looking for a used Pixel phone. To avoid the biggest pitfalls, how to get a pre-owned Pixel at a great price, here are tips on everything you need to know about buying a used Google phone.
Top reasons to buy a used Pixel phone
- Google Pixel users enjoy one of the best software update policies out of any Android user. This means that your used Pixel may get an update, even if it has been on the market for years.
- By buying a used Google Pixel, you can experience Android the way its makers want and also be in line for updates and cool new features. You get exclusive features that are tied to other Google products, making the Pixel the default choice for users investing in the Google ecosystem.
- Pixel phones, even the older, cheaper ones, are known for their great cameras.
Top reasons to buy a used Pixel
- While Pixel phones have come a long way, Google still lags behind Apple and Samsung when it comes to customer support, availability of retail and service channels, and third-party ecosystems.
- Pixel phones are not known for their future-proof spec sheets. Most Pixel devices launch with specs that are good enough on day one, but may be sub-par after a year or two.
Read also: Selling a Used Phone: Do’s and Don’ts | Buying a used phone: do’s and don’ts
Used Pixel, new Pixel or other?
If you are reading this article, you are probably on a budget. But if you can spend a little more, should you buy a new Pixel instead of a Pixel you already own?
Google doesn’t discount its flagship phones early in their lifecycle, so if you want a new Pixel on a budget, you’ll need to look at one of Google’s mid-range offerings.
At the time of this writing, Google’s cheapest phone is the Pixel 5a, with prices starting at $449. For roughly the same price, you can buy a used Pixel 6 on Swappa, which we think is a better deal considering its specs and features.
(By the way, Pixel 6a is going to launch soon.)
If you’re open to other brands, there are plenty of options for buying a used Pixel. Our roundup of the best cheap Android phones is a great place to start, but we recommend spending a little more on one of the more capable mid-range devices out there.
Some of our recommendations include:
Things to know when buying a used Pixel
We have a detailed guide on buying used phones which we recommend you to read first. Here are some key things to keep in mind when shopping:
- Make sure you are not overpaying. Measure the condition of the phone and check the average price of the same Pixel (same model.) And same position) on Swappa or Gazelle.
- Ask about the battery. Frequent charge cycles take a toll on the battery, and this can be a problem for phones with small or average-sized batteries like the Pixel. Ideally, you want a phone that has had its battery replaced Pixel phones that have been refurbished are more likely to have new batteries.
- Give the phone a physical. Check out if you can check out the Pixel before you buy:
- Scratches, dead pixels, or burn-in on the display
- charging port problem
- Rattle, stuck, or otherwise damaged buttons
- Any bulging sign, which could mean the battery is dangerously damaged
- Blown or ringing speaker with earpiece
- Check if you have warranty. Even if you’re buying from a private seller, it’s worth inquiring how much of the warranty is left (if anything).
- Check software update status. Older used Pixels may no longer receive OS updates or even security updates. You’ll want to avoid these if you can.
- Check if the phone is lost or stolen. You can view the device’s IMEI number and run it against a database of lost, stolen or blacklisted phones.
- Make sure the phone is reset and unlocked. If the seller hasn’t removed your Google Account from the Pixel, you won’t be able to use it.
- Is the phone compatible with your carrier? Pixel phones are great in this regard, but network locks can still occur.
David Email / Android Authority
Used Pixels: What to Avoid?
In general, it’s best to avoid used Pixel phones that are more than three years old that is, the Pixel 3 series and older. The main reason is the battery, which is likely to wear out due to the frequent charge-discharge cycles on older devices. While you can use an app like AccuBattery to evaluate the health of the battery, the safest thing to do is to look for a new phone. If you are able to afford the extra cost, you can even replace the battery yourself.
Also, older Pixel phones may no longer be fast enough to provide a reasonably smooth experience without the frequent pauses and stutters.
We generally recommend buying phones that no longer receive security patches. Since most of our lives depend on the safety of our devices, this is not something you should take lightly.
At the time of this writing, the following Pixel phones not anymore Receive regular security updates:
- Pixel 3a and Pixel 3a XL (updates will end in May 2022)
- Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
- Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
- Pixel 1 and Pixel 1 XL
Also, according to Google’s support page, the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL will only get the update until October 2022.
It’s a good idea to check the average price of a used phone – Swappa compiles data for the phones sold on its platform, so it’s a good place to check. If the Pixel phone you’re considering is significantly cheaper than average, it’s worth paying extra attention and inquiring about any potential issues. This is especially true if you’re buying from a private seller, who doesn’t offer you any protection. Hidden problems can include bootloops, fast-discharging batteries, cameras that don’t perform normally, and water damage, just to name a few.
Bogdan Petrovan / Android Authority
Used electronics site Swappa provides useful price charts that tell you the average price for a used Pixel phone.
Best places to buy used Pixel phones
Buying a phone from a private seller (via a local Facebook group, Craigslist, eBay, etc.) may mean a lower price, but it is inherently riskier than buying from a retailer. You will likely miss out on warranties, return options, and other protections retailers legally provide.
If you’re ready to shop at a retailer, here are some good places to start your search for an affordable Pixel phone.
- Gazelle – Offers 30-Point Quality Inspection, 30-Day Return
- Swappa – Lots of Listing, Commercial Seller, 30-Day Warranty
- heroine
- EBAY
- UpTrade Tested Tools, Real Photos, 30-Day Returns
updated pixel phone
If you’re looking to strike a bargain but also want some peace of mind, then refurbished Pixel phones could be the right choice for you.
Most refurbished phones come with a warranty and some even guarantee to look and function like new. This is not something you usually get with a used phone.
Refurbished Pixel phones are available from many retailers in the US. These include specialty refurbished vendors such as Backmarket, SellSell and Declutter, but you can also find refurbished Pixels at most major retailers.
If you’re looking for a fresh Pixel device, here are some more links:
Is this the right time to buy a used Pixel?
At the time of this writing (May 2022), it might be wise to wait a bit, especially if you’re after a mid-range second-hand Pixel phone. This is because Google is rumored to unveil the Pixel 6a at its Google I/O developer conference on May 11-12. A new generation release makes existing models cheaper, and the same holds true for pre-owned Pixel phones.
If you’re using an upgraded Pixel device, waiting a few months could help you save some. It’s only been a little over six months since the Pixel 6 hit the market, so the offer for a used Pixel 6 is still limited. It might also be smart to hold off on Amazon Prime Day 2022 in July, as the event usually includes deals on affordable phones.
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